Ryan Amoroso receives scholarship offer

6-8 1/2 junior forward Ryan Amoroso of Burnsville (MN) High, who met with the Minnesota Gopher coaching staff Tuesday, received the scholarship offer he had been hoping for. Amoroso, who emerged as one of the most improved players in the state this season, admits that he grew up as a Gopher fan. He previously received scholarship offers from Northern Iowa, Indiana State, Wisconsin Green Bay, New Mexico and Marquette.

Ryan Amoroso led the Blaze to the semifinals of Class AAAA Section 4, losing to Eden Prairie. Burnsville finished 22-7 and had won eleven straight games before their playoff loss. He averaged 24 points and 11 rebounds per game. He shot 50.4% from the field, 75.9% from the free throw line and 35.2% from the charity stripe.

Amoroso is playing for the Minnesota Magic AAU team again this season. The team has juniors Spencer Tollackson and Miles Webb, who both committed to Minnesota. They might have the top AAU team in the state. The Minnesota Magic will play in the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions this weekend and in the AAU national and Super Showcase in Orlando.

Amoroso has not received an invitation to the Nike or adidas ABCD camp and will play at the mid-American camp in Kansas City, if he does not receive an offer.

He said that he has worked hard in the offseason to improve his quickness, strength, shot, jumping ability and athleticism. He has bulked up to 233 pounds.

Burnsville figures to be one of the state’s best teams next season. They return 5-9 outside shooter Adam Chandler and 6-6 forward Eric Heisler. Amoroso said that the sophomore team had a 6-8 player and two 6-7 performers who will move up to the varsity next year.

Amoroso has a nice shooting touch and has the ability to step out to three-point range. He has made big strides in his game this season and observers have even notice more improvement in the last month. He needs to continue to get stronger and improve his athleticism. However, he has emerged as one of the top five juniors in the state and his recruitment list will continue to expand.

Amoroso has visited Northern Iowa, Indiana State, Creighton and Marquette unofficially. His father attended Northern Iowa and he has relatives in the area. However, his continued improvement has likely cost the Missouri Valley Conference team any chance of landing Amoroso.